Tandem Skydiving: What To Know

Tandem Skydiving: What To Know

You're reading this which means you're thinking of taking the biggest step of your life! Undoubtedly, you're a little nervous about it, and that's perfectly natural. There are several things to know before you arrive that will help enhance your first skydive experience.

1. It's Not As Scary As You Think It Is

What you know about skydiving is different than what the experience is. You will be falling at 120mph descending at a rate of 1000 feet ever six seconds. The reality is you'll never actually feel these speeds.

The beauty of skydiving is that you don't feel as if you're falling. It feels more like a 'floating' sensation allowing you to enjoy the experience. The fear factor of skydiving is all the build up of thinking about 'jumping from a perfectly good plane.' It's the unknown, and all of your friends telling you how crazy you are for doing it. All of that adds to a lot of anticipation. Once out of the plane, it's smooth sailing from there!

2. Safety Is Our Number 1 Priority

Not all skydiving centers are the same. Running a successful operation requires attention to detail and a keen observance of safety regulations. As a member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA), we have an obligation to follow Basic Safety Requirements to maintain our membership. We take safety seriously.

One of the most frustrating aspects of skydiving is that the activity is controlled by an uncontrollable variable: weather. Often there are weather delays based on wind speeds (either ground winds or wind speeds at higher altitudes), cloud cover and rain. Many guests can get frustrated as jumps can be delayed due to weather. Please remember that skydiving is not a thrill ride, but an activity that must be respected as people can be injured or killed doing this experience. A wise skydiver once said, "It's better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air than being in the air wishing you were on the ground."

The purpose of us saying this is we ask you to be patient. Delays do happen, and it's because of safety.

3. The Equipment Is Pretty High Tech

All of our parachute systems do come equipped with a reserve parachute. Additionally, all of our equipment is installed with an automatic activation device (AAD). An AAD automatically fires the reserve parachute should the computer register an abnormally high speed at an altitude of 2,000 feet. It's kind of cool stuff!

4. Prepare Properly

As mentioned earlier, a skydive is not a thrill ride but an experience where you will need to participate for the experience to go smoothly. How you prepare is vital, and that starts with eating properly. Many people choose to skip eating in fear of being ill. The number one cause for guests feeling nauseated during a skydive is by skipping a meal. Surges of adrenaline will plummet your blood sugar, so it's important to eat normally (don't overeat) and to stay hydrated.

5. Pro Tips

Altitude

We offer multiple heights to cater to different budgets, but if you can spring for 13,000 feet, that's the way to go. In skydiving, higher is better. A higher altitude allows for more free fall time which equates to more enjoyment.

Photography

Skydiving is going to register as one of the most exciting things you'll do in your life. Get it documented! If our guests are ever disappointed, it's because they regret not getting photos.

Don't Arrive Rushed

Give yourself ample time to get to the skydive center. If you're running late for your appointment, it will add to your stress and detract from the experience.

Don't Schedule Something After

Delays do happen. If you schedule something after your skydive, you'll feel stressed about being late to that appointment. We don't want you to stress about anything!

Dress Appropriately

Dress in comfortable clothing. On cooler days, wear layers that can be peeled off easily should you get hot. Also, be sure to wear sneakers / athletic shoes. Cowboy boots, work boots or any open toe shoes are not ideal.